Thu, Jul 10 2025 - Thursday Morning Semi-Fitness Hike at Island Ford (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Joyce T. Participants: Joyce T., Mike C, George B, Suzanne, Harry M, Allan S, Wally Walter, Lee W, Jeff M, Dawn B, Gwen E, Tracy, Edward Stapleton, Steve F, Memphis Russ

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We got a bit of a break in the temperature today, with the heat staying in the low 80's during our hike. Nonetheless, we soaked our shirts, keeping up a good pace and ending with 5.6 miles in two hours (counting several water breaks). We had a short but difficult climb at the top of the lollipop loop in order to avoid a huge tree blowdown that blocked the trail. Our fit group did great, tackling the challenge with semi-effortless skill. :-)

We had quite a race up the warmup hill. Wally was determined to repeat his win from last week, but Allan got bitten by the competition bug and set off in a run to catch and pass Wally. The two of them ran the entire way up the hill, but Wally was able to gain a slight lead just 10 or so feet from the top. What a great effort from these two!

On the road back to our parking lot, Lee, Suzanne and I spotted two bucks in the woods. What beautiful creatures they were, with their antlers still in velvet. A great ending for a fine hike.

Thanks to Lee fot the great photos he added to the album. ~ Joyce